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Inflation and the rising cost of living have been a global concern for more than a decade, a situation that worsened during the Covid-19 pandemic and has been further aggravated by recent regional developments. There is also no denying that the internationally promoted policy of free trade has weakened state control over trade, while greed has played a significant role in the continued rise in the cost of living.
It was former Speaker Fouzia Zainal who first officially took note of this concern and addressed a letter to the government on the matter. Subsequently, several MPs periodically raised the issue, albeit not with much urgency. I also recall that a committee was formed to examine the matter, though I am unaware whether its report was ever made public.
As always, the government came to the assistance of its citizens by granting a monthly inflation or cost-of-living allowance to those earning up to BD1,000. No words can adequately express the gratitude deserved for this gesture, especially at a time when the government itself was facing the impact of the global economic downturn.
Inflation and the rising cost of living affect everyone, especially households. The burden is felt not only by the head of the family but also by children. This is evident from the cost of everyday items, such as a small juice pack or a packet of potato snacks, where prices have increased while quantities have often been reduced in pursuit of greater profit. The monthly allowance was granted to Bahraini families as a whole, not exclusively to the head of the household or the breadwinner, but to support all family members collectively.
It therefore seems unreasonable that this allowance is suspended when the head of the household or breadwinner leaves Bahrain and is only restored upon his return. Does inflation cease to affect his family and household during his absence abroad?
A pension, which is also a form of financial support, is not suspended when a pensioner travels overseas. It is therefore humbly requested that legislators give due consideration to this deserving issue on humanitarian grounds. I am confident that the current situation may be the result of an oversight in the drafting of the relevant law, as it could not have been the intention to disadvantage citizens in this manner.
Muhammad
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